There’s something deeply comforting about sliding into a steaming pool of mineral water while the air around you is crisp and cool. From natural wilderness pools tucked deep in the forest to elegant resorts where hot water flows into infinity-edge tubs, the U.S. is full of places where nature itself becomes your spa.

Here are 14 of the best hot springs in the country—each one with its own story, scenery, and style of soaking.

1- Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado: Soak Beside the River

In Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers 16 mineral-fed pools with no added chemicals. Families love the kid-friendly pool, while adults gravitate toward infinity-edge tubs overlooking the Colorado River.

2- Homestead Crater, Utah: A Limestone Dome With a Surprise Inside

At Homestead Crater, you float, snorkel, or even scuba dive inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome. Sunlight filters through the opening at the top, creating one of the most unique hot spring experiences in the U.S.

3- Castle Hot Springs, Arizona: Luxury in the Desert

An hour from Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs blends desert adventure with wellness. Guests enjoy three mineral pools, stargazing, and even a Via Ferrata climbing route—plus water enriched with magnesium and lithium for ultimate relaxation.

4- Chena Hot Springs, Alaska: Soak Under the Northern Lights

Near Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is famous not just for its 106°F pools, but for the chance to see the aurora dancing overhead in winter. Few experiences feel as magical as steaming waters under the Arctic sky.

5- Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, Colorado: Rustic Mountain Charm

Tucked in Colorado’s Crystal River Valley, Avalanche Ranch has cascading pools framed by forested slopes. Guests can book cozy cabins and enjoy round-the-clock access to the pools.

6- Orvis Hot Springs, Colorado: A Free-Spirited Escape

Near Ouray, Orvis Hot Springs is known for its clothing-optional vibe and “lobster pot” pool that reaches 114°F. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it’s equal parts liberating and scenic.

7- Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming: Free to Soak, Wild to See

In Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park offers free entry to its mineral pools. The water flows from the earth at 128°F before cooling for safe soaking. Visitors can also spot the park’s resident bison herd.

8- Benton Hot Springs, California: Camp Beside Your Own Tub

At Benton Hot Springs in Mono County, you can rent a private soaking pool with your campsite, complete with a picnic table and fire pit. It’s the perfect mix of rugged camping and cozy comfort.

9- Tolovana Hot Springs, Alaska: An Adventure to Reach

Accessible only by hike, dogsled, or helicopter, Tolovana Hot Springs is one of the most remote in the U.S. The pools reach up to 145°F and deliver a true wilderness soak.

10- Burgdorf Hot Springs, Idaho: A Western Classic

With rustic cabins and historic wooden structures, Burgdorf Hot Springs feels like stepping back in time. In winter, visitors often arrive by snowmobile before slipping into the hot, lithium-rich pools.

11- Durango Hot Springs, Colorado: A Spa With Mountain Views

Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa features more than 30 soaking pools, private tubs, and cold plunges. Add in mountain views, live music, and spa treatments, and it’s one of Colorado’s most well-rounded hot spring resorts.

12- Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana: A Neighbor to the Park

Just north of Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers family-friendly pools with river and mountain views. Admission is good for the whole day, so you can come and go between soaks.

13- Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon: Pools in the Forest

Perched above the North Umpqua River, Umpqua Hot Springs is a natural wonder. A short hike leads to tiered pools with woodland views—perfect for photos and a quiet, back-to-nature experience.

14- Quinn’s Hot Springs, Montana: Soak, Stay, and Savor

In Paradise, Montana, Quinn’s Hot Springs pairs five steaming pools with cozy lodges, cabins, and a gourmet restaurant. Affordable entry and full resort amenities make it a favorite for both day trippers and overnight guests.

Quick Comparison: Best Hot Springs in the U.S.

Hot Spring Location Temperature Range What Makes It Special
Iron Mountain Colorado 96–108°F 16 pools, infinity-edge river views
Homestead Crater Utah 90–96°F Soak, snorkel, or scuba inside a dome
Castle Hot Springs Arizona 85–106°F Desert luxury resort, stargazing
Chena Alaska ~106°F Northern lights over steaming pools
Avalanche Ranch Colorado 93–104°F Cascading pools, rustic cabins
Orvis Colorado 65–114°F Clothing-optional, mountain views
Hot Springs State Park Wyoming ~104°F Free entry, bison nearby
Benton California Adjustable to 140°F Private tubs at campsites
Tolovana Alaska 125–145°F Remote, reached by hike or dogsled
Burgdorf Idaho 96–113°F Historic cabins, snowmobile access
Durango Colorado 99–112°F 30+ pools, spa services
Yellowstone Montana 98–105°F Family-friendly, mountain views
Umpqua Oregon 100–115°F Natural cascading pools in forest
Quinn’s Montana 100–106°F Full resort with lodging & dining

Hot springs are nature’s way of reminding us to slow down. Whether you’re soaking under desert stars, surrounded by snowy peaks, or nestled in a quiet forest, these 14 destinations promise relaxation in its purest form.

Relax by the Springs With HomeExchange

After soaking in warm mineral waters, nothing beats returning to the comfort of a real home. With HomeExchange, you can swap your place for a mountain lodge or a cozy retreat near the springs, blending relaxation with the warmth of home comforts.

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